Standard bookcases are so last century. Today’s modern bookcases are a dime-a-dozen and lack “oomph” that we so often desire. The bookcase inherently faces adversity: its essential function is to fight gravity and all horizontal components of gravity. As a result, the bookshelf tends to have a grid-like design. Fair enough, but the look is so rigid. How can we complement this structure with something more adventurous and exhilarating?

1. The first step is to purchase a shelf that already separates the shelves into sub-shelves. The Ikea Expedit is a perfect choice. Now, it is simple to devote each section of shelf to a different theme/orientation/color/etc.
2. Repeat themes multiple times throughout the entire shelf. For example, have books vertical on a couple of sections, horizontal on others, tilted on at least one, and a combination of these layouts on the rest.
3. Mix other objects with the books for added visual interest.
4. Bookshelf speakers are meant for bookshelves – put on on there.
5. Be sure to place objects on top of the shelf. There is no reason to waste space.

1: slanted books, speaker. 2: vertical books

3: vertical books with accent item. 4: horizontal books with accent item.

5: vertical books. 6: slanted book with large decorative item.

7: vertical books, accent item. 8: vertical books

The final arrangement. Various arrangements add character to the ensemble.